Bus terminal board proposed

CEBU, Philippines - Board Member Arleigh Sitoy is pushing for the creation of a body that would oversee the operations of the Cebu South Bus Terminal.

Sitoy’s proposal for the creation of a Cebu Bus Terminal Management Board (CSBTMB) will undergo first reading during tomorrow’s session of the Provincial Board.

Sitoy said the Cebu South Bus Terminal was constructed as a component of the Metro Cebu Development Project (MCDP) aimed to address the perennial problem of traffic in Metro Cebu.

The south bus terminal was subsequently turned over to the provincial government in 1993 after management of the terminal by a private corporation did not yield positive results.

Profitability of the terminal under the management of the province surged in 1997.

“Whereas the continued success of CSBT as an economic enterprise of the province may strengthen by legalizing the establishment of a permanent organization composed of experienced professional who will ensure that continuous efforts in improving and developing the management and operations of the facility are instituted,” Sitoy said.

Once the CSBTMB will be created it will be composed of a chairman and four members who will be appointed by the Governor who will determine their qualifications and background, wherein the members of the board will have a minimum term of five years and can be renewed or extended up to another three years.

Among the powers Sitoy wants the board to have is the formulation of policies, strategies, and management principles that will guide the operations of the terminal and the performance of its personnel.

 Sitoy said the board will also conduct regular evaluation on terminal operations and management, which shall serve as basis for the introduction of effective measures to improve or develop the current system.

The board will also ensure that the terminal will maintain its viability and profitability by fixing and imposing terminal fees, Sitoy said.

Sitoy said further the board will also recommend to the Provincial Board resolutionsthat would sustain the effective implementation of terminal policies. (THE FREEMAN)